Chibola Fertility Figure

Tribe: Lulua

Country: Democratic Republic of Congo

Material: Wood

Size: 12.25"

Condition: Note original chips on both feet.

Most of the carved figures are commissioned for use in religious association concerned with issues of childbirth and human fertility. These maternity figures aided pregnant women, who were part of the Bwanga Bwa Chibola society, during pregnancy and after the birth of their child.  When a woman loses children through miscarriage, stillbirth or postnatal death, witchcraft is suspected.  An appeal is made to a diviner for advice, and the problem may be attributed to the ancestor spirit chibola or tshi-bola. After being initiated into the society, a woman may be given one or more figures depicting various aspects of motherhood.

The scarification that adorns these figures alludes to more than just the tradition of scarification as body decoration. Concentric scarification enhancing the swelling navel is only for referring to the link between mother and child as well as referencing the close connection with ancestors and the importance of the continuity of generations.  Beautifully formed, bulging eyes are a reference to the individuals ability to recognize the negative energy and the intent of bewitchers in time so as to avoid harm.

With the aid of various rituals, the beauty of the carved figure, its precise scarification and superb coiffure is thought to attract the chibola ancestral spirit.  The chibola would then be reborn into the next family infant, thus ensuring the child’s survival into adulthood.